Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace Canada is a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. Leave No Trace builds awareness, appreciation and respect for our wildlands.

The seven principles of Leave No Trace are:
Plan Ahead and Prepare; Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces; Dispose of Waste Properly; Leave What You Find; Minimize Campfire Impacts; Wildlife; and Be Considerate of Other Visitors.

As outdoor recreation and environmental education may not take place in remote areas, the Leave No Trace Centre also promotes "leaving no trace" in 'front country' or more urban, non-wilderness environments.

Front Country Practices

SOEEA is pleased to share LEAVE NO TRACE principles and practices that you can apply to your everyday life. These simple approaches to outdoor activities help to sustain natural areas and still allow for positive experiences. Here are the seven principles developed for "Frontcountry Leave No Trace":

Manage your dog.
Many people love their pets and want them to be a part of their outdoor activities; however, this needs to be done in a respectful way. The dog needs to always be in your sight and under your control. Other people may be not be as enthusiastic about dogs as your are. Be sure to ask if they are comfortable with your pet before you let the pet off leash. Your dog may be at risk from coyotes, porcupines or other dogs if it is off leash. Dogs have instincts that are difficult to control if they see a deer, rabbit or other animal that they may chase. Being chased by a dog may lead to a wild animal being injured or dying. When wildlife are chased, their behavior can change putting them in risk. Having your animal under your control means that it will come to you every time, in every circumstance; if you can’t guarantee that your pet needs to be leashed.
Pick up Poop.
Dog poop stinks and it is a health hazard. It increases the nitrogen in the soil and makes the weeds predominant, especially in poor soil. Deposit the dog’s poop in the trash can or take it home to dispose of.
Take your Trash.
Even biodegradable items like banana peels, apple cores and food scraps take years to decompose. They look terrible and they are attractive to wild animals leading them to unnatural behavior and dependency.
Leave it as you find it.
Picking flowers, arrowheads or stones means that you have taken away the experience of encountering nature from others. If everyone takes home one special treasure, soon the open space is a desolate, barren area lacking the charm that drew you there in the first place. Even taking one or two flowers home means that seeds are reduced, and fewer flowers will exist in the future.
Stick to the Trail
Travelling on the trail leaves room for wildlife and their homes. Shortcutting trails causes erosion. Be ready to get muddy and step right through puddles. Boots dry overnight; plants take years to recover. Researchers found that fewer birds nest near trails and that survival of young birds near trails is poorer. Many wild animals get used to trails and when we go off trail we threaten their existence. There is less impact on the environment when a group stays on one trail versus a scattered group of outdoor enthusiasts moving through the bush.
Share Our Trails.
We all enjoy the outdoors. Many people come to open spaces to have a natural experience and do not wish to be involved in your music or conversations. They want to experience the peace and serenity of the outdoors. On trails make space for others and control your speed. Please pass with care and let others know that you are passing. Be courteous - we’ll all have a better time.
Plan ahead and Know before you go.

Credit to: City of Boulder Colorado and LEAVE NO TRACE.


Leave No Trace Leave No Trace Canada is a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. Leave No Trace builds awareness, appreciation and respect for our wildlands. The seven principles of Leave No Trace are: Plan Ahead and Prepare; Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces; Dispose of Waste Properly; Leave What You Find; Minimize Campfire Impacts; Wildlife; and Be Considerate of Other Visitors. As outdoor recreation and environmental education may not take place in remote areas, the Leave No Trace Centre also promotes "leaving no trace" in 'front country' or more urban, non-wilderness environments. Front Country Practices SOEEA is pleased to share LEAVE NO TRACE principles and practices that you can apply to your everyday life. These simple approaches to outdoor activities help to sustain natural areas and still allow for positive experiences. Here are the seven principles developed for "Frontcountry Leave No Trace": Manage your dog. Many people love their pets and want them to be a part of their outdoor activities; however, this needs to be done in a respectful way. The dog needs to always be in your sight and under your control. Other people may be not be as enthusiastic about dogs as your are. Be sure to ask if they are comfortable with your pet before you let the pet off leash. Your dog may be at risk from coyotes, porcupines or other dogs if it is off leash. Dogs have instincts that are difficult to control if they see a deer, rabbit or other animal that they may chase. Being chased by a dog may lead to a wild animal being injured or dying. When wildlife are chased, their behavior can change putting them in risk. Having your animal under your control means that it will come to you every time, in every circumstance; if you can’t guarantee that your pet needs to be leashed. Pick up Poop. Dog poop stinks and it is a health hazard. It increases the nitrogen in the soil and makes the weeds predominant, especially in poor soil. Deposit the dog’s poop in the trash can or take it home to dispose of. Take your Trash. Even biodegradable items like banana peels, apple cores and food scraps take years to decompose. They look terrible and they are attractive to wild animals leading them to unnatural behavior and dependency. Leave it as you find it. Picking flowers, arrowheads or stones means that you have taken away the experience of encountering nature from others. If everyone takes home one special treasure, soon the open space is a desolate, barren area lacking the charm that drew you there in the first place. Even taking one or two flowers home means that seeds are reduced, and fewer flowers will exist in the future. Stick to the Trail Travelling on the trail leaves room for wildlife and their homes. Shortcutting trails causes erosion. Be ready to get muddy and step right through puddles. Boots dry overnight; plants take years to recover. Researchers found that fewer birds nest near trails and that survival of young birds near trails is poorer. Many wild animals get used to trails and when we go off trail we threaten their existence. There is less impact on the environment when a group stays on one trail versus a scattered group of outdoor enthusiasts moving through the bush. Share Our Trails. We all enjoy the outdoors. Many people come to open spaces to have a natural experience and do not wish to be involved in your music or conversations. They want to experience the peace and serenity of the outdoors. On trails make space for others and control your speed. Please pass with care and let others know that you are passing. Be courteous - we’ll all have a better time. Plan ahead and Know before you go. Credit to: City of Boulder Colorado and LEAVE NO TRACE.
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